Arranging objects - scattering

And now for Part 2 of my arranging objects series....  Scattering objects to the the edges of a table or mantle can  either create a visual mess or a striking composition using repetition.  Think about how you want to arrange a collection. What do you have in the collection that could be the star or the weightiest object? 

  Scattering objects to the edges of  can create a problem in two ways:

1. When you arrange objects in a vignette  and you spread the object  along the length of the tabletop from side to side you are pulling  the focus to the edges and the cohesiveness  usually falls apart. 

  source

Some effort was made in this vignette to have a centre of interest by placing the bell jar and the plant pick in the centre.  Unfortunately height and colour in the plants take command and your eye runs both up and off the edges.

 When you want to anchor your eye the tallest objects  (several massed)  should be placed together.  The shorter ones can  lead to the edges.  This vignette could be arranged like the one below for a stronger composition.

 source

This is a masterful display in one colour.  It has variety in heights and shapes and the massing of the objects in the classic A formation anchors the eye on the vignette. 

Luxe

This is the same solution as above, but the height is added using a dark wall and a painting that  anchors the vignette. 

 source

While the objects in this vignette are focused toward the edges they are connected by the large circular mirror/sculpture/  I would prefer that the taller objects bank the mirror and the shorter ones approach the edges.  This organization works too. 

 

       2.    Sometimes you group objects to one side of a tabletop and it creates an unbalanced look. If the 

              objects are similar in height there is no variety.   

Design for Living

This composed correction created variety in shapes, heights and placement. You could also reverse the placement and have the lamp on the right which would move the frame away from the other frames on the wall.

source

Exception to the rule:
Although this vignette is on the edge of the counter it is extremely well placed.  It  connects with the strong black vertical  on the left and the black rectangle on the counter.  All work together to create a vignette within a vignette.

An inspiring interior portfolio

It's Friiiiiday! Yay! Here's a mix of lovely interior images from the portfolio of New York based photographer Emily Johnston Anderson. I often photograph spaces from my home and know just how difficult it is to get lighting right (I never do, but I'm working on it!). I love the way Emily plays with the light and uses items in the foreground to add depth. I have a lot to learn from her photos!



With kind permission from Emily Johnston Anderson



 See the rest of Emily's fantastic portfolio here.

Before I head off into the night (oh, OK day - but it is Friday!....here are a few wonderful links from across the web for a little weekend reading:

The new issue of Covet Garden is out - woohoo! Take a look at some fabulous homes from the latest issue here. This is a perfect example of how a home can look lovely even if there are children's toys everywhere. This shop is so cute. I love that you can get an illustration of your little one made by the talented shop owner and she has the most lovely blog too. I recently recieved a lovely deer motif storage sack from SackMania and now I see they have the cutest birdy cushion.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  I'm heading over the bridge to Copenhagen tonight to celebrate my man's birthday, can't wait! Do you have any fun plans?

Home tour: Stylist Saša Antić

Hello! From Copenhagen, Denmark yesterday, to Sweden's capital city today. This is the fabulous home of Stockholm based interior stylist, fashion and props expert Saša Antić. Sasa's philosphy: "Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes; and most importantly, having fun – that’s really what it’s all about." 

Photography:  Jonas Ingerstedt for Elle Interiör. With kind permission from home owner and stylist: Saša Antić via Anna Gillar

In my mind, what really makes this home are the vignettes; he has collected so many interesting items and then artfully arranged them in a way that looks fab. Very inspiring!

What do you like best about this home?

Home tour: Anne Louise Breiner

I've gone stylist Rikke Graff Juel crazy this week. Yesterday we took a peek at Anne Mette Jensen Skodborg's lovely home. And today I'd like to show you the Copenhagen apartment of Anne Louise Breiner of BALlab which has also been styled by Rikke. There's just so much inspiration to be taken from this space from the artwork and mismatched chairs around the dining table to the flea market / mid century finds and pretty spring flowers. Lovely, lovely, lovely!

Stylist: Rikke Graff Juel. With kind permission from photographer: Frederrike Heiberg via Ellens Album with kind permission from Anne Louise Briener

Tricky to actually choose a favourite room (perhaps the bedroom?) and hard to believe this is all aqueezed into 90 metres of space! It makes think I need to start rummaging around the local flea markets more (and pay a visit to the local flower shop!).

PS Grand prix chair envy!

The home of a Danish designer

This is the Copenhagen home of designer Anne Mette Jensen Skodborg, visual merchandiser for Part Two and her partner, Steffen Brodersen Martiena. There is so much inspiration to take from this 62 m2 space. From the artwork on the wall, the choice of colours (loving the coral splashback in the kitchen), the way they have grouped items and displayed flea market finds to the quirky designer pieces such as the cute little ducks on the window sill, this home is brimming with personality.

Stylist: Rikke Graff Juel. With kind permission from photographer: Frederrike Heiberg via Ellens Album

The more I look at this home the more I see. I really love it, it's like a breath of fresh air! If I had to choose one piece I'd go for the artwork in the kitchen. What about you?

This reminds me of a story my sister told me about one of her friends who's house caught fire recently. The day after the fire had been put out they were told they could go in and choose one item each (can you believe that actually happened in real life?!). She chose the photo album from their wedding and he chose his toolbox......

What would you choose from your home (people/ pets aside!)?

A beautiful Malmö home in neutrals

Hello, and happy Monday! I'd like to kick off the week with a home tour of this beautiful apartment here in Malmö, Sweden (currently for sale, wink wink!). I love the soft, neutral tones of paint, the large open rooms and high ceilings which are so typical of the buildings in the theatre area. The furniture reads like a who's who of designer items and that spiral staircase *sigh*!

Bjurfors Via Stil Inspiration

I spy: the Eames armchair DAR around the dining room table, the Isamu Noguchi coffee table (both 15% off with code MYSCAN :). The Modernica bubble ball lamp, Bertoia's Diamond Armchair (on my wishlist!) and the fabulous bird pendant light by Swedish based designer Hung Ming Chen. Am I missing anything?

Could you live here?

It was super sunny in Southern Sweden this weekend. After a long winter everyone appeared from hibernation, and sat in rows outside cafés with faces angled towards the sun. It was a site to be seen! Ooooo to feel the warmth of the sun on the skin again.

PS a warm welcome to all you lovely new readers. If you get the chance, leave a message, we'd love to hear from you!